How do we reclaim our purpose when the system pushes us to the edge?
In this soul-stirring episode, Ayesis Clay—educator, playwright, and founder of Sculpted Clay Productions—joins Craig Aarons-Martin to explore what it means to live, lead, and liberate through story and self-awareness.

🎙️ Topics include:

• The real cost of burnout in education

• Storytelling as a path to liberation

• How leaders can model vulnerability

• Reimagining schools as spaces for healing

• Black women reclaiming their narratives in education

✨ This episode is a love letter to the brave educators navigating the cracks and still showing up with courage.

🔗 Follow Ayesis Clay on LinkedIn, IG (@sculptedclay), and YouTube (@ayesisclay)

#BraveVoicesInEducation #AyesisClay #EducatorHealing #StorytellingInEducation #LeadershipWithHeart #TeacherBurnout #BlackWomenLead #PurposeDrivenLeadership #HealingIsBrave

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How do Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to build bridges between legacy and liberation in today’s educational landscape?

In this dynamic episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig Aarons-Martin brings you a special recording from the 2025 HBCU Summit held at Harvard University, hosted by Dr. Keith Lezama, founder of the Building Bridges Foundation. Featured guests include Dr. Moala Bannavti and Dr. Robert Jennings, two powerful educators and advocates for Black excellence in higher education.

This episode explores the intersection of cultural identity, the enduring impact of HBCUs, and what it means to lead with humanity, heritage, and unapologetic hope.

🎙️ Topics include:

• The historical and cultural power of HBCUs
  

• Navigating predominantly white institutions as Black scholars
  

• The role of educators in affirming student identity
  

• Trauma-informed leadership and cultural healing
  

• Bridging generational wisdom and innovation in education
  

✨ Guest Highlights: Dr. Moala Bannavti is an environmental justice advocate and equity educator with deep roots in community empowerment. Dr. Robert Jennings is a former HBCU president and national thought leader on Black male achievement and institutional leadership.

Connect with Dr. Bannavti on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/moala-k-bannavti Email Dr. Jennings directly: jennings6010@gmail.com Learn more about Dr. Lezama’s work: buildingbridgeseducation.com

What happens when educators examine their power instead of protecting it?

In this eye-opening episode of Brave Voices in Education, host Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Dr. Tanji Marshall-Reed, a veteran educator, leadership coach, and unapologetic advocate for equity. Together, they unpack how instructional power, curriculum design, and leadership decisions impact student agency, family engagement, and educational justice.

🎯 Key Topics:

• Power dynamics in classrooms and school leadership

• How curriculum can either liberate or limit

• Why relationships matter more than rules

• The real role of parent engagement in educational equity

• Why reflection is essential to interrupt harm in schools

🔥 Takeaways:

• “Braving isn’t about being invincible. It’s about being real.”

• “Leadership is about impact, not ego.”

• “Every child deserves an excellent education — no exceptions.”

📚 Whether you're a principal, classroom teacher, coach, or parent, this episode gives you practical insight and powerful questions to lead more boldly, inclusively, and responsibly.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Tanji Marshall-Reed:
💼 LinkedIn
🌐 Website

📲 Like, follow, and share to support this growing community.
🎧 More at: BraveVoicesPod.com
📎 Connect with Craig: https://linktr.ee/craigcmartin

#BraveVoicesPod #DrTanjiMarshallReed #EducationLeadership #InstructionalPower #CurriculumMatters #EquityInSchools #StudentAgency #ParentEngagement #CCMEdGroup #EducationPodcast #LiaisonInstructionalPartners